Stone Mills Community Development Coalition

Another incredible year at Art Among the Ruins. So much talent on display and so many kind folks and familiar faces. I've loved his property since I was a wee tot riding the bus to kindergarten at Newburgh PS. #ruralOn #ruralart #artamongtheruins #community #rogueshollow

What a fabulous opening day at the Yarker Farmers Market! I brought my nieces along and we ran into my father and brother who were about to hike the trail. They joined us and we all enjoyed the delicious BBQ, baked goods, and beautiful scenery! We brought lots of wonderful goodness home as well. Thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and hardworking vendors that make this market possible. #discoverStoneMills #rurallife #ruralOn

I think every one of us knows someone who has struggled with mental health issues and addictions. Our rural areas have heavy loads to bare of intergenerational difficulties and the isolation that may make these struggles even more difficult. We are inviting anyone and everyone who has used these services or who have had family/friends use these services to come and share the positive impact of this care and the impact of losses of service. Happening today at 4pm at the Morningstar Mission in Napanee. 57 Water St.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. -MLK Last week I had to pleasure of meeting many civically minded young women from a...cross Ontario as we gathered at the Ontario legislature. I met women of different backgrounds from teachers, to front line healthcare workers, to municipal and provincial candidates, to students. I was lucky enough to sit down at a table with some fellow rural women, by chance, first thing in the morning and it was a great opportunity to learn from these women and carry on our discussions throughout the day about the unique issues facing our communities. All this has helped give me a broader perspective about women in politics, the making of positive political change, the understanding of the endurance it takes to make our communities a more level playing field, and the hard truth that these wins are not guaranteed, like the recent loss of the provincial child advocate. I learned a lot. I made some great connections. I left feeling inspired, but also with frustrations. I'll tell you... sitting in on question period is not good for your health! Personally, I am deeply worried about the cutting of our social safety net while simultaneously seeing a budget that doesn't reduce the debt AT ALL - yet is creating job loss that will only strain our systems more. In our current political climate, I feel afraid to take a stand on things. I don't want to alienate people I care about. I don't want to alienate people that I want to do good work with. I hate that it feels like if I criticize the actions of one party that it means I am 'in love' with another. It's simply not accurate and not true. I am a rural person. Rural communities have been underfunded, our people have been dealing with economic oppression for a long time, many feel they've been left behind. We need to find commonality in the struggle and not think just because someone beats their chest the loudest that they are our friends, or that they have our backs - they don't. ---Just going to leave some words of MLK here just because---- We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.

Hi again everyone, We have recently formed an organizing committee around the devastating cuts coming to our local Lennox and Addington mental health and addictions services. Statement from the Save Our Sevices Organizing Committee:... The mental health services that used to be offered were an absolute lifeline for many of us. These services have been responsible for saving many lives, completely turning lives around, and offering a quality of life when there was none. So many people affected by these cuts are unable to speak up for themselves and are helpless to fight the changes. Our voices need to be heard. Many caregivers have already left the clinic due to feeling that the new constraints put on them by these changes and cuts had left them in a position where they were no longer able to offer proper ethical help to their clients. The ramifications of not having proper mental health services are already being felt by many vulnerable residents of the area. These cuts to services will have a ripple effect on all of Napanee, but it won't just be a ripple, it will be a tsunami. Some of the very real concerns we have about these cuts that will (and are already beginning to) affect the region are an increase in: - Violence in Families - Suicide - Addictions - Medical Issues - Homelessness - Visits to the E.R. - Crime - Reliance on Government Assistance - Unemployment ________________________________ PLEASE 'LIKE' THIS PAGE TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR EFFORTS. Thank you for your time. Krysta-Lee #peoplepower

Hi all, As you recall through my Stone Mills municipal election campaign I stated "I am an independent thinker who is not afraid to lead" and as such I wrote an essay on leadership to qualify for this event and I am happy to mention I've been selected to attend! I am quite excited! One woman from each provincial riding has been selected to attend and I very much look forward to meeting many civically minded women who are active in their communities. I look forward to learning... and being inspired for ways to engage our communities. I look forward to hearing and learning from women with many different backgrounds and perspectives, especially my fellow rural women. I would also like to say thank-you for the wonderful letter of support from our MP Mike Bossio. As well as a thank-you to Gesina Laird-Buchanan who initially shared this event information with me. I value diversity of opinion and varying perspectives. I don't think we all have to agree, but I do think it is important to be civil and discuss the very complex issues facing our communities and society overall. I am excited!!! I will share with you what I learn and hope to be a positive (yet critical) voice for our Hastings-Lennox and Addington riding. Warm regards, Krysta-Lee

Hey all - I have a few items in the works over here! Winter has been hectic but with Springs arrival I'm ready to start launching community development initiatives. Admittedly my introversion/shyness can get in the way, but here we go! ... This week I am hosting a Spring Clothing Swap at my place in Camden East on Wednesday eve from 5-7. It's a casual opportunity to get people together and start conversations and build connections. If you have some items in your closet you just no longer 'love' just pack them up and bring them, we will lay them out, and play dress up! Find things you love and they are yours to take home - completely free. I encourage people to bring accessories as well like gently loved shoes/purses/scarves so we can have something for everyone. It's a fun way to recycle clothing, connect with eco-conscious folks, and get some new Spring outfits. If this would interest you just send me a private message. Leftover items will be donated locally.

A great story about a truly local radio station and its dedicated volunteers.

I'm seeking to turn this page into a Stone Mills Community Development Coalition to bring together the many partners in community and economic development. If Facebook allows the name change I will be launching multiple events from this digital space. Stay Tuned! <3 <3 <3